Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police

Director, WVSOM Public Safety/Chief of Police
WVSOM Police Department

The Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) shall plan, direct, participate in, and evaluate all aspects of the integrated police and security operations for WVSOM, ensuring optimal coordination and efficiency of services and programs, and ensuring enforcement of all local, State, and Federal laws as well as relevant WVSOM policies and procedures. The Director/Chief of Police shall oversee the management and coordination of all campus public safety functions including, but not limited to, Police Officers and security services as needed. This is a position of public trust and represents WVSOM in a highly visible and respected manner. This position reports to the Vice President for Legal, Governmental & External Affairs; Chief Legal Officer/General Counsel.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to WVSOM's public safety components, ensuring that optimal integration, synergy, and cost-efficiencies are obtained in the development and administration of operating plans, systems, and procedures.
• Provide strategic planning and guidance in the establishment and administration of police and security programs at WVSOM, ensuring that all operations support the mission, strategic plan, and business goals and objectives.
• Direct and oversee the day-to-day operations of the WVSOM Police Department.
• Perform regular patrol of the WVSOM campus and buildings in coordination with other WVSOM Police Officers.
• Ensure the WVSOM Police Department completes and is compliant with all local, State, and Federal reporting requirements, and follows applicable policies and procedures of WVSOM.
• Direct and coordinate response in emergency situations of broad significance to WVSOM and/or affecting critical components. Shall also develop and manage an effective proactive crime prevention program for the campus including determining the appropriate number of officers and support personnel.
• Create and lead a comprehensive campus-wide emergency operations plan considering the various populations on site including those surrounding WVSOM's borders.
• Design, establish, and maintain an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the organization's goals and objectives; oversee training, supervision, development, and evaluation of Police Officers.
• Execute drills, tests, and exercises to maximize safety and ensure WVSOM's community thoroughly understands emergency and disaster protocols.
• Complete threat assessments and analyses including proactive training needs including active shooter, emergency call locations, shelter in place exercises, emergency and safety drills, etc.
• Partner with local, State, and Federal police, and other relevant groups on public safety issues.
• Develop and maintain MOUs, Mutual Aid Agreements, and other agreements with applicable external entities, including but not limited to Lewisburg Police Department, Greenbrier County Sheriff's Office, West Virginia State Police, fire departments, 911 centers, and other first responders.
• Communicate public safety initiatives/directives to the campus community; work collaboratively with others (e.g. colleagues, stakeholders, vendors) to accomplish functions and responsibilities.
• Develop, update, and maintain written policies and procedures for the department, revising as needed.
• Develop, implement, and disseminate written procedures and provide guidance in Crisis Management, in conjunction with community resources and WVSOM administration.
• Enforce laws, court orders (e.g. Orders of Protection), and WVSOM administrative orders on campus.
• Oversee campus traffic control and parking enforcement.
• Oversee campus surveillance systems (i.e. cameras) and access to footage in coordination with the WVSOM Information Technology Department and other applicable departments.
• Maintain all necessary certifications for law enforcement officers as required by law.
• Attend professional development opportunities to remain current with advancements and developments in public safety and emergency management.
• Develop and manage annual budgets for the department and perform periodic cost and productivity analyses.
• Manage investigation of criminal activity occurring or reported and perform follow-up investigations using appropriate investigative techniques and procedures. Shall coordinate investigation with investigators and other agencies as needed.
• Monitor WVSOM's alert notification system and alert through the system on security and other emergencies in coordination with the WVSOM Facilities and Human Resources Departments.
• Represent WVSOM externally to governmental agencies, vendors, faculty, staff, students, and/or the general public. Must establish and maintain strong coalitions with various community groups.
• Maintain, and ensure each WVSOM Police Officer maintains, an active, visible presence on campus, including regular interaction with employees, students, and visitors on campus.
• In coordination with applicable departments, including Student Affairs and Human Resources, develop and implement procedures for Clery Act and WVSOM safety and security policy compliance.
• Oversee the reporting and maintaining of campus crime statistics in compliance with the Clery Act and the timely preparation of WVSOM's Annual Security Report (ASR).
• Serve as a Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.
• Maintain an ongoing knowledge of policies, procedures, laws, and ordinances pertaining to public safety on higher education campuses.
• Participate on WVSOM institutional committees as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to qualify in firearms, asp baton, defensive driving, defensive tactics, first-aid and CPR, and any other applicable area as necessary or directed.
• Ability to supervise and train employees, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments along with performance and development skills.
• Ability to carry a gun and any other dangerous weapon while on duty and fulfill the certification requirements for law enforcement officers.
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Skill in strategic management, financial planning, and fiscal management.
• Advanced leadership skills and the ability to effectively coordinate multiple initiatives.
• Ability to interpret business and operational needs and develop integrated, creative solutions.
• Broad knowledge and understanding of the public safety and security issues of an academic and/or public service institution.
• Strategic knowledge and appreciation of industrial access control and intrusion detection systems and programs.
• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart information to a range of clientele and/or media sources.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.

Medical Monitoring: This position requires the incumbent to participate in the Medical Monitoring program.

Education and Experience: An equivalent combination of relevant and recent experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related subject matter.
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in law enforcement, 5 years functioning in a command position (lieutenant or above), with a preference of law enforcement experience in a college or university setting.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Additional Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Applicants must successfully pass a physical agility test (PAT) prior to final offer. PAT standards are as follows:
  • Sit-ups: 28 in one minute
  • Pushups: 18 in one minute
  • Mile and a half run: 14 minutes and 36 seconds
• Selected candidate must establish residency that is within one-hour response time to the WVSOM main campus under normal driving conditions within 90 days of contingent offer.
• Selected candidate must possess and maintain West Virginia Law Enforcement Officer certification as this position is a member of law enforcement.
• Drug testing and medical management required.
• Selected candidate must successfully complete a pre-employment psychological evaluation prior to official hire date.
• Selected candidate must successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination, including vision and auditory screening, to ensure fitness for duty.
• Selected candidate must successfully pass a polygraph test prior to official hire date.
• Selected candidate must successfully pass a background check before the official hire date.
• Selected candidate must be bondable upon completed background check.
• Additional Physical Requirements include:
  • Standing, walking, carrying, bending, running, jumping, climbing, kneeling, crawling, sitting, talking, hearing, and driving.
  • Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as viewing a computer terminal and reading printed material
  • Subject to environmental conditions; activities occur inside and outside.

Position: WVSOM may furnish each WVSOM Police Officer with a firearm. The WVSOM Police Officer may be permitted to carry his/her own firearm upon advanced approval by WVSOM. WVSOM will furnish official uniforms to be worn while on duty. WVSOM shall furnish and require each WVSOM Police Officer while on duty to wear a shield with an appropriate inscription and to carry credentials certifying the person's identity and authority as a campus police officer.

This is a full-time, non-classified position; it is exempt from FLSA regulations concerning overtime. Not all activities of this position occur within the confines of an 8:00-4:30 schedule and may require evening and weekend scheduling as needed. The weekly schedule for this position will be established between the supervisor and the employee and approved given the needs of the department and the institution.

This position has been designated as Essential. This means that when WVSOM is faced with an institutional emergency, employees in such positions may be required to remain at their work location or to report to work to protect, recover and continue operations at WVSOM.

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to enhancing diversity among its faculty and staff.